2002 Nissan Pathfinder Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,740miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, 3% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,740 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I recently brought up to the attention of Nissan a problem I've been experiencing with my car. The check engine service light is on and it just doesn't turn off. Let me explain. When I first notice the problem, around 6 months ago, I took the car to a dealer. However, just to hook up the car to the computer of the dealership is over $100. Not to get fixed, just to hook up. I think that's outrageous. So I took it to 2 different places, a local mechanic and autozone, both equipped with computer hook ups, capable of reading Nissan codes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10512379, filed 2013-05, 55,000 miles“The first time while driving the Pathfinder in regular driving conditions, the engine stalled at approximately 30 MPH. To restart the engine I had to put the transmission in neutral and turn the key all the way off and then restart the vehicle.the second time this happened I was driving again the same day, cruising along at about 50 MPH in traffic, and the engine died again with no warning. The instrument cluster showed all the typical dummy lights after the engine failed the first two times. When we parked the Pathfinder we could smell gas at the rear passenger door on the drivers side. …”
NHTSA complaint #10663147, filed 2014-12, 96,480 miles“1) Nissan Pathfinder 2002 -air conditioning fan would only work on speed 4 (high) and wouldn't shut off. Runs continuously 2) fan would only shut off if ignition was turned off - electrical short issue 3) Nissan had a kit that was to fix the problem & was installed at my expense. Once installed it fixed the fan issue (Nissan issued a TSB 10-16-2003 - component 353600 equipment - electrical - air conditioner) but created another problem. Now fan won't come on for heat or defroster (while on auto) when outside temperature is below 60 degrees. …”
NHTSA complaint #10136776, filed 2005-09, 40,752 miles“Instrument panel lights go on and off intermittently, no pattern. The lights behind the speedometer and other gauges will not operate on occasion. Turning the lights on and off, turning off the vehicle and turning it back on doesn't help. Bumps, temperature outside, etc. Seem to have no effect on the issue. It makes it uncomfortable to drive at night as you cannot tell how fast you are going or how much fuel you have.”
NHTSA complaint #10389869, filed 2011-03Related service bulletins
- 11004962May 21, 2024VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical…
- 10239060Jun 16, 202312 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192192Jun 7, 2013As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 13% |
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 17 | 20% |
| 2023 | 24 | 22% |
| 2022 | 20 | 15% |
| 2020 | 12 | 23% |
| 2019 | 10 | 13% |
| 2018 | 14 | 18% |
| 2017 | 27 | 14% |
| 2016 | 11 | 10% |
| 2015 | 27 | 8% |
| 2014 | 33 | 6% |
| 2013 | 50 | 6% |
| 2012 | 3 | 13% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 11% |
| 2008 | 21 | 6% |
| 2007 | 25 | 4% |
| 2006 | 34 | 4% |
| 2005 | 66 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 4% |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% |
| 1998 | 5 | 3% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 11 | 7% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1994 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 2 | 4% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1991 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
43 complaintsEngine cooling
35 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology